The Lions Binkert Hiking Trail, Lions Bay along Howe Sound, BC

Rebekah Sunley from Melbourne, Australia writes:

Hey, I'm really keen to do this hike tomorrow (5th of November) but I'm travelling alone and am not confident to go on such a long hike all by myself. If anyone doesn't mind a little Australian tagging along please email me it'd be much appreciated I'd hate to miss such a gorgeous mountain tramp. Please email rebekahsunley93@gmail.com.

Posted: November 4, 2011 12:21:31 PM PST

Sam from Los Angeles, CA writes:

Hiked this trail today (Oct 17). This is a great hike with a fantastic payoff view. It is difficult mostly because it is a fairly rough trail compared to most of the other hikes I have done in BC. Lots of loose rock, roots etc. It requires a lot of concentration. It is more difficult in this regard than being physically challenging. There is ice starting to form up top, in a week or two it will be pretty treacherous. The gate is black now, not yellow. Here is a panorama I took from the top: http://tinyurl.com/6cktqpp

Posted: October 17, 2011 08:22:24 PM PST

Sandra from Vancouver writes:

Thinking about hiking Saturday or Sunday - Any update on trail conditions? Thanks!

Posted: October 14, 2011 02:53:08 PM PST

Patrick from Vancouver, BC writes:

hey,

I want to hike this trail on the 18th of September. Its the only day I've left in BC to hike this one, but my "co-hikers" can't hike that day.

anybody wanna join me?

email me: patrick.in.linden@gmx.de

cheers
Patrick

Posted: September 11, 2011 09:33:32 PM PST

Igor from Vancouver writes:

We climbed Lions today. Still some snow before the end of the trail, especially two short segments (about 10 and 20 meters long), quite slippery (hard snow mixed with mud). One climbing part (just next to the snow spot) very dirty and slippery (basically pure wet mud), as the ice was melting. We stayed on the ridge, did not climbed the West Lion peak, as it seemed to us quite risky. The view of Howe sound excellent, however, quite weak for Vancouver part (a lot of smog due to the high temperatures during last week). Also, Mt.Baker could be seen, but you have to know where to look...

Posted: September 10, 2011 10:44:07 PM PST

Bryan from Vancouver writes:

Any update on the snowpack??

Posted: September 10, 2011 09:23:40 PM PST

adam from vancouver writes:

Climbing tomorrow. Can't wait.. will let you know how we get on.

Posted: September 10, 2011 07:23:25 PM PST

Mark from Port Moody writes:

Hiked the Lions with some friend on August 27th. Search and Rescue was marking the trail as we began our hike. As we emerged from the trees, we traversed snow covered slopes on the way up to the ridge beside the West Lion. There were quite a few groups on the final scramble up the West Lion. Coming back down the trail, we noticed the search and rescue team had built several rock cairns and flagged trees with orange tape. The trail was well marked by the end of the day.

Posted: August 29, 2011 06:46:43 PM PST

Cyrus from Vancouver writes:

Plan to climb Lions West on Sunday Aug 28 th. It is the first time and looking for a map and info..Thanks in advance for any advise/help.

Posted: August 26, 2011 04:55:12 PM PST

RacingforLives.com from Vancouver, BC writes:

Hiked the Lions August 21st. As other people have mentioned there are snowy sections. And as a result trail markers are not easily visible. For first-timers: the trail does not go straight up from the first snowy section; it wraps around to the right (west).

Play it safe by staying low and crossing below the first snowy section; staying on the rocks. If you're facing straight up hill you want to move at 45 degree angle or towards 2pm on a round clock.

As you move further west you'll see a straight section that takes you up to the junction between Unnecessary Mtn (over to the right / west) and the Lions (over to the left / east). This is the section that people are having trouble with. You should also start to see trail markers on the left side of snow pack.

Yaktrax and poles are strongly advised. I doubt that the snow pack will melt this season so if you're headed up to the viewpoint make sure you're prepared.

Posted: August 21, 2011 02:23:12 PM PST

Bruce from Pender Harbour writes:

Just did this hike today. There is a stretch of about 200 meters that is still quite snowy. A nice fellow brought a shovel and cut steps into the snow for us. Otherwise, I would recommend crampons for that small section.

Posted: August 20, 2011 09:59:11 PM PST

Greg from Vancouver writes:

Does anyone have a trail report as of August 20/11?

Posted: August 20, 2011 08:33:20 PM PST

JDW from Vancouver writes:

We did this hike on August 3. We almost made it to the top but decided to turn back due to all the snow. After about 30mins on the snow in tennis shoes and shorts we heard rushing water below us and decided it was too risky to continue. The views are amazing though and we'll definitely be back in late August or early September to finish it off and make it all the way to Cypress as we had originally planned.

Posted: August 9, 2011 09:06:16 PM PST

Justin from South Surrey writes:

Cartier from Nowhere. I thought that was you I heard howling with delight after we bumped into you on the trail. I was one of the 3 you are referring to and the one who said you shouldn't ski down the back-side of the hill. You crazy bastard, you did it anyway ;-) Good on ya!!

Posted: August 7, 2011 11:59:07 PM PST

Cartier from anywhere writes:

Skied down the back side of the Lions today.
If it takes you 4 hours to get to the top, the last hour is when you hit snow, becomes steep enough you don't want to lose your footing. Snow pack ends and you can finish the trail to the top - 3 people on the way down said it's about a half hour from the top of the snow pack - after the black rope take the goat trail around until you are at the top.

Posted: August 6, 2011 09:26:26 PM PST

Jason from Vancouver writes:

Day-hiked on July 30 to West Lion from Cypress ski area. Still a lot of snow from St. Marks over Unnecessary Mountain to the Lions. Route is passable, but challenging; we lost the trail a few times, but eventually found it. Trekking poles are a must.

Posted: July 31, 2011 08:06:13 AM PST

Todd from Vancouver writes:

Hiked it today, no view to be had but it was definitely an adventure I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Trail flagging becomes poor right when the snow starts - bring a roll of flagger with you if you feel like helping out.

Good boots are a must in the snow, warn your party! A light jacket and some gloves would be nice too.

Incredible hike! It will test you on a number of levels: fitness, will and skill. I highly recommend it! For ideal conditions I would suggest waiting until mid August.. the snow pack is ridiculous this year.

Posted: July 26, 2011 11:22:19 PM PST

Janie from Vancouver writes:

Hiked it today, went all the way to the lion, but didn't have any rock climbing equipment and decided to go back.
Lots of snow, so take nice boots, ski poles would help as well.
We had only tennis shoes on and that was not fun, we got them all wet and were sliding a lot took us about 10 hours, including lots of stops for pictures, and quite a bit of time on the top

Posted: July 23, 2011 10:24:24 PM PST

Durand from New Zealand writes:

Hiked the trail today. Started at 8am from an empty car park and reached the snowline at about 1100m. Continued up through the snow for about another 100m vertical until the trail became to difficult to climb. The summit is still unattainable unless you would like to walk through 3-6ft of unstable snow for an hour or so. The track is however in great condition until the snow line and there are still great views to be had. I would recommend walking this trail towards the end of july to avoid the snow.

Posted: June 28, 2011 04:31:04 PM PST

Colin Leech-Porter from Vancouver writes:

I have previously climbed the trail from Lion's Bay. Last week I was on the top of Cypress. Is it possible particularly now given soft snow conditions to ski around on the east side of the Cypress downhill area and approach the Lion's from the south side?

Posted: June 13, 2011 01:55:30 PM PST

Bobby from Vancouver writes:

Replying to Ian: the peak is not really technical--it's some scrambling and you don't need gear. Nonetheless it is risky since a slip or a wrong step and you will not survive it. The first half, getting across the lower part of the peak to the other side where you start the actual upwards climb, can be pretty sketchy. In the second half, there's quite a bit of erosion and loose material so you need to test your hand and foot holds carefully. I've seen a 14 year old kid go to the top, but at the same time don't underestimate it.

Posted: June 12, 2011 02:00:32 AM PST

Ian from Vancouver writes:

I am wanting to know about the last part of the Lion's trail where you climb up to the top of the Lion peak itself. Can someone tell me how technical this last bit is? how much exposure there is? is there any protection, e.g. cables, etc. Just want to know what I am getting myself into if I decide to make the final climb to the top.
Thank you,
Ian

Posted: June 8, 2011 12:40:03 PM PST

Mauricio from Vancouver writes:

I had wanted to do The Lions trail for some time and decided that today was the day. Started at the trailhead at 7:11 am and topped out at 9:50 am. The first hour is spent on an old forest service road, the warm up. Next you cross Harvey creek on a bridge, and the real ascent begins. About an hour later you top out on the southwest part of the Harvey watershed, the bouldering begins and the views become great to spectacular until you reach the top, twenty to thirty minutes later. About half a dozen people on the trail, and all excited to be going up. Exited the trailhead at 12:31 pm for an all in trip of 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Posted: September 15, 2010 08:19:04 PM PST

M from N Van writes:

Did the hike yesterday, Aug 28. The views are unreal.

We got to Lions Bay at 9:30, there was no parking left so we had to park down by the school and walk up. We were pushing an aggressive pace, and our total time up was 3 1/2 hours without summiting. Summiting looks a bit crazy and I don't like heights. Time down was 2 3/4. Bugs were very minimal. No horse flies, just a few mosquitoes. There was a couple patches of snow, but none that covered the trail. Had 3L of water and still had a bit left at the end. I think the temperature high yesterday in Vancouver was about 18c with sun, and the hike was fine with shorts and a t-shirt. I did put on the hoodie I brought when we stopped for lunch but an extra longsleeve t would've been fine. The trail is fairly well marked and we didn't need to pull out the map. Just read the directions from this site. Coming down was the hardest part (especially on the knees).

ps- Safeway at the Caulfield exit in West Van has great sandwiches, opens at 7am.

Hope this helps. Have a nice hike!

Posted: August 29, 2010 10:31:41 AM PST

WestCoastTrecker from Vancouver writes:

My Wife and I just hiked this trail yesterday 8/21/2010 .. we are intermediate hikers and have hiked about 1 dozen trails this summer to prepare us for this long and advanced hike. Here's a realistic breakdown for fellow hikers in the same range.

Arive at the gate EARLY ... we got there at 7:15 AM and there were only a few parking spots left (of about 10) Otherwise you will have to park somewhere down the road.

Ariving early also allows you to do most of your uphill hike in much cooler weather, even then a T-Shirt and Shorts was still comfortable as you will work up a quick sweat. Bring enough water, we went through 3 500ML bottles of water each, which lasted the entire trip. Bring 4 500ML each just in case it gets hotter, as the weather can definitely make a difference in your needs on water.

The first half of the hike is relatively easy. The second half has much steaper inclines though the wooded forest, over-and-up a rocky boulder field, culminating with a steap scramble up a rocky mountainside .. all of which is very doable for hikers with intermediate experience. You do have to keep a lookout for the colored ribbon markers along the way as well as painted markers on the rocks towards the top. The trails were clear of snow at this time of year, except for a couple of very small patches. Overall the hike up was not too bad. We stopped and took many pictures along the way and it took us 4 1/2 hours to reach the top!

The views at the top are stunning, especially if you are lucky like we were in getting a somewhat clear day with passing clouds. There's lots of room at the top to relax. We spent an hour and had lunch, took lots of pictures and enjoyed a nice light cool breeze amongst the clouds.

The hike down for most hikers seemed quicker, however, we found this part of the hike to be the most enduring, particularly on our upper quads, knees, and feet. (even with hiking poles and hiking shoes). We took our sweet time and got down in 4 hours, completing our entire trek in 8 1/2 hours.

All in all, a great hike, with challenging sections towards the end and some of the most amazing panoramic views as you will see in the greater Vancouver area. We're a bit sore the next day, but seem to be recovering quite quickly ... hope you enjoy your hike if you decide to take on "The Lions" ... Happy Trails!!!

Posted: August 22, 2010 01:15:27 PM PST

DG from Vancouver / Toronto writes:

Hiked the Lions solo last Saturday (August 14th). Started late, so had to park my car down by the school. I'm a pretty fast hiker (2hrs 15 mins to the top; quite a bit less than that to get down), but it is a bit relentless in the tree-covered area before you come to the first major viewpoint. I'd say it's steeper from there to the peak, but you've got views to distract you, whereas in the trees the trail is pretty rough and boring.

Definitely bring lots of water. I only brought two 600 ml bottles, which wasn't nearly enough. I ran out by the time I got to the top, and felt seriously dehydrated at the bottom. That last km from the gate to my car was the worst bit, believe it or not.

All in all a great day, and on balance I prefer this route to the trail from Cypress.

Posted: August 16, 2010 08:14:30 PM PST

m from Vancouver writes:

Did this today (Fri. July 31,2010) Made it to the top as there was definitely way less snow. A few patches here and there but completely do-able.

Go early. We got to Lions Bay around 8:30am and there were no spaces left at the lot so had to park further down. I brought 2L and still ran out of water so be sure to bring enough for yourself.

The bugs weren't too bad but I recommend bringing spray. It's rocky and easy to lose the trail at the top. I found myself scaling the side of a cliff before realizing I'd gone the wrong way. This hike is intense but definitely worth the view from top.

Posted: July 31, 2010 10:40:51 PM PST

Lee from Vancouver writes:

Just went up the trail today (July 31 2010). Absolutely amazing. Fairly easy climb, but the last part just before the peak is a bit tricky. If you're afraid of heights, I wouldn't recommend climbing it. One slip and you're toast.

Still a bit of snow up there, but nothing a pair of running shoes couldn't handle.

Get there early, before 8am. This hike is an all dayer. We didn't get back to the car until 6pm.

Posted: July 31, 2010 08:04:05 PM PST

VancouverTrails from Vancouver writes:

The starting point on Cypress is from the downhill ski area and is the same route that goes to St. Mark's Summit.

http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/st-mark's-summit/

The trail continues past St. Mark's Summit and goes over Unnecessary Mountian before heading up to the Lions. I've done this route and although it seemed like it might be easier driving up to Cypress and starting at that elevation, I actually found it more difficult because of having to go up and down 2 mountains. But it's a beautiful route with several views of Howe Sound, just make sure to pack lots of water.

Posted: July 30, 2010 12:25:42 AM PST

m from Vancouver writes:

The map on this site doesn't show it but does anyone know how to get to the starting point from Cypress?

Thanks!

Posted: July 30, 2010 12:16:29 AM PST

Lisa from Originally? or now? writes:

Walked up today, July 26, 2010. Keep going!!! Yes, the trail past the creek up through the trees is quite difficult but once you reach the open views, SPECTACULAR. If you make it that far KEEP GOING!!! The higher you go the easier it gets and the more spectacular the views. Definitely a little bit of scrambling but so worth it!!! I met a guy with two kids going to the top of the west Lion. I was by myself and so didn't attempt the Lion itself. Any advice from someone who has been up them? The guy I met on the trail said if you drop down into the gully and go up the back side it isn't too bad?!? So lovely, so clear, Mount Baker, Garibaldi, Seymour... Ocean, islands, Fantastic!

Posted: July 26, 2010 07:45:24 PM PST

Sasha Liang from Vancouver writes:

We are going up Sunday...will advise on the status of the trail.

Posted: July 23, 2010 06:50:22 PM PST

Raj from Surrey writes:

I hiked first time last week at grouse grind. I want to know is it really harder than grouse grind?

Posted: July 18, 2010 11:03:10 AM PST

Steve from Eugene writes:

hiked to the saddle between the lions today (July 14), but no higher. Still a lot of snow after you leave the boulder-and-downed-tree-nearly-vertical-maze. There are a few markers visible above the snow, but most remain hidden. Best to leave early. I started at 8:30 am, and the snow was OK on the way up, but coming down around noon I broke through a few times.

Posted: July 14, 2010 06:27:36 PM PST

Oliver from Delta writes:

Yes, I know a few people who have 'camped' up at the top on flat spots

Posted: July 14, 2010 11:23:40 AM PST

mike from north van writes:

The description says there is no camping, but do do people rough it on flat spots? Never done the lions and I'm looking for a multi day hike...

Posted: July 13, 2010 04:17:18 PM PST

Dave from N. Delta writes:

Hiked for the first time on July 5th. The snow at the base of the summit is still there, and quite deep at the higher elevations. I started the hike a 7am so the snow was very hard and crusty, made easy going. Made it to Thomas Peak but did not continue onto the very tops of either of the Lion columns, the snow was getting quite wet and slushy from the mid-morning sun. But with no special gear made it just fine, I would just recommend getting up and down off of the snow before it gets too warm and you punch right through it. The trail makers are under the snow, but at that point the peaks are very close and always in line of sight. Good hiking!

Posted: July 5, 2010 04:32:50 PM PST

Nicole from Vancouver writes:

Could you make it to the base of the lions with all the snow? What Kind of gear did you need?

Posted: June 30, 2010 03:18:33 PM PST

David from Vancouver writes:

did the trail last weekend (19th). lots of snow on top and most of the markers are under the snow but was still worth it.
Basically everything that M said in he/she comment was everything i experienced.

Posted: June 27, 2010 03:19:29 PM PST

Nicole from Vancouver writes:

Anyone hike this recently. Hoping to head up July 1 and curious about the conditons.

Posted: June 26, 2010 02:24:30 PM PST

m from Vancouver writes:

I meant 6/17/10

Posted: June 21, 2010 02:08:11 PM PST

m from Vancouver writes:

I just did this for the first time yesterday 07/17/10. I personally thought the first hour of the inclined logging road was the most intense part of the entire trail. It was foggy from the get go and so we didn't see any of the views. It started to rain so trail was pretty wet.

There's still ALOT of snow up top. Tried to go as far as we could on the snow but the fog got thicker and we lost the markers as we got higher. The markers are sometimes not easy to spot and there are a few huge logs that you have go around, over, or under. I have no idea how high we got, couldn't tell because of the fog. Based on the amount of snow I imagine we were pretty high up and based on time we probably had another 40 mins or so to go.

The descent wasn't as quick as we expected. I'm sure it would've been alot quicker in better conditions. Despite not making it to the summit, this trail was intense but the best and most rewarding one I've been on so far. I definitely plan to go again when the snow clears and I recommend this trail to any avid hiker.

Posted: June 19, 2010 01:14:17 AM PST

Hikeroo from Vancouver writes:

Did anyone do this trail today or yesterday? I've never done this hike before so I'm just wondering what the conditions are like right now.

The site says the trail is good July-Aug. Does anyone know if there've been alot of people going at this time?

Posted: June 17, 2010 12:19:49 AM PST

David Manders from Vancouver writes:

I was up there today, and wow, there is still a lot of snow. I'd wager 3ft at least through out the upper bowl and at the summit. Given the softness and the amount of water and the direct sun, I have a feeling it's going to go pretty quick now. But 3ft of snow is a lot to melt.

Posted: June 13, 2010 09:05:40 PM PST

vittorio s from vancouver writes:

I hiked the trail yesterday October the 19th 2009. Beautiful sunny day. Beautiful, challenging hike after Harvey Creek. The problems started 20 minutes after I reached the first ridge because it is difficult to follow the coloured tape marker In a spot, kind of rockslide, I didn't know if I were to go straight or left..and so stopped for lunch, not far from the second ridge I suppose.Despite this it is a very beautiful hike after passed Harvey Creek bridge

Posted: October 20, 2009 09:17:23 PM PST

lb from New west writes:

Hi...55 year old woman with moderate fitness (do 1 1/2 hr on seymour every sunday ...trail was challenging for me and was happy to get above the tree line , did not go the last 45 min to the top...great view but pretty tough on the knees going down. felt like a great accomplishment for me and sure most younger adults could handle it no problem. Worth the scramble. Next year_the top!

Posted: October 4, 2009 11:31:40 PM PST

Ray Stothers from Nelson writes:

The Lions is one of the most memorable hike I have ever done. A real breathful! I am thinking of a trip back with friends and they wonder if there might be any caves in the area. Any ideas?

Posted: September 26, 2009 10:36:36 AM PST

T from Delta writes:

This is where that French guy slipped on the last 200 feet on the way up and fell 45 meters down the rocky hill... smashing his leg to bits. Other people have died at the very end of their day. Think twice about your family before sumitting the West Lion.

Posted: August 11, 2009 02:59:44 PM PST

MEPISTO from Vancouver writes:

Did the Lions this week-end and the hardest part of it was to find a parking for the car ;op
Seriously, the parking where the trail starts is split in 2, visitors and residents (around 15 spots all together); and I am sure that some residents park their cars in the visitors' spots so they will not get annoyed by too many hikers....lame....
Except that, the trail is correctly marked (make sure to check out the signs on the trees for direction) and fun, especially if you are planning to climb up to the summit. The ropes are sturdy, but honestly the view is not worth the risk.
Just for you to situate yourself, I am an average hiker and it took me 5h30mn to complete the trail (did the summit too) + an extra 3km (parked the car very far).
3L of water should be fine unless you are an heavy drinker (used almost 2L on a very shiny hot day).
In short make sure to be there early enough (before 8AM) and do not forget your water as there is no place to refill or drink..... Enjoy!

Posted: August 4, 2009 02:11:29 PM PST

B from UBC writes:

I went up today and it was amazing. The view is incredible and the weather was great. The only problem was the bugs so don't forget to bring good bug spray. We saw a search and rescue heli and passed some s&r hikers that were looking for someone who had lost the trail and hurt himself.

We didn't arrive at the parking lot until about 2pm and there was only one spot left so we got lucky. That extra 1km to the school lot would really suck after this hike. Also make sure to bring plenty of water.

Posted: July 16, 2009 02:46:13 AM PST

Ben from North Vancouver writes:

Just did it today and it was great. Much easier than we heard and would reccomend it to someone looking for a good day of hiking. Not much snow at the top and what was there was hikeable. Dont do it with dogs because it is too steep for them. Only downside is the long boring logging road, also pack light for the trip and pack a rewarding lunch for the top. Overall sweet hike!

Posted: July 14, 2009 07:08:54 PM PST

Mike from Burnaby writes:

I've done both the route from Cypress along the Howe Sound Crest trail and the route from Lions Bay and I've found that the route from Cypress is much longer and more difficult. The trail from Cypress goes up and over St. Mark's Summit and Unnecessary Mountain before getting to the Lions and then returning that same route made for a really long day. The trail from Lions Bay is steep but it's down hill on the way back.

Of course, there are some great views along the route from Cypress of Howe Sound and the islands off in the distance, which makes this route very appealing.

Posted: July 14, 2009 09:23:59 AM PST

Donna from Vancouver writes:

What's the difference between going from Lions Bay and doing it from Cypress-Unneccesary Mountain way? Which do you recommend?

Posted: July 13, 2009 06:21:45 PM PST

C from Vancouver writes:

Just wondering how difficult is the hike, is it for the strong willed cardio frenzy person or can an average joe handle it?

Posted: July 12, 2009 12:13:56 AM PST

Joel and Sara from Vancouver writes:

We hiked the lions on Saturday July 11th starting at 8AM. The trail was nice to start off at a gradual incline for about 45 minutes until you hit the bridge across Harvey creek. Shortly after Harvey Creek the ascent becomes a little more difficult with a steep grade and a path that often contacins loose rock and fallen tree trunks.

After about 2 hours we hit the intial viewpoint and climbed up to the ridge between the final lions viewpoint and Unnecessary Mtn. The view from the top was phenomenal with the peak of Black Tusk to the north and Howe Sound and Vancouver Island off to our West and South. It was surprising how many people were trying to take the hike on in the late morning and even the early afternoon. If we may impart some advice, be sure to show up early as no one would want to tack on the entra KM before and after the hike by parking at the school lot.

Posted: July 11, 2009 04:25:01 PM PST

H from Vancouver writes:

Did the hike on June 28, there's still a fair amount of snow near the top, making it a little slick for the last 30 minutes.

Posted: June 29, 2009 12:54:43 PM PST

Peter from Vancouver writes:

Is there any campsites on the this hike?

I remeber a clearing on a ridge just as you leave the tree-line. Has anyone ever camped there?

Posted: June 23, 2009 08:25:00 AM PST

Ivan G from Richmond writes:

Thea or anyone else who did it this year already

How much snow is there right now? I want to do the hike but I am concerned that there will be too much snow still.

Posted: June 16, 2009 02:42:54 PM PST

Thea from Burnaby writes:

I did the Lions hike starting from Lions Bay and ending it on Cypress. It was an 11.5 hr hike including the 4 climbs of Unnecessary Mountain - it was awesome. Best hike ever!

Posted: June 3, 2009 10:28:38 PM PST

Clay Gomez from West Van writes:

It's been a few years since I hiked up to the Lions so decided to try it today. The trail was very difficult, especially after crossing Harvey Creek, about 15 minutes later is a large section of trees that have fallen down. The trail is difficult to follow and you have to climb up and over many trees and through the mud which is very tiring. Then the last section is open with no trees and you go up the rocks but it was so cloudy that I couldn't see anything around me.

I followed the instructions on the site to go early because of parking and it was good that I did because there were not many spots. However, I think the sun might have come out and maybe there was a view a couple of hours after I went back down.

Posted: August 30, 2008 05:38:52 PM PST

Alice Crawford from currently - Vancouver writes:

just hiked the trail on Saturday Aug 9th, 2008 - quite wet - clear on the north side - socked in completely on the south side of the ridge - small section of the trail has been obstructed by a debris slide (trees and rock) on the section between Harvey creek and the first part of the accent to the ridge before the first plateau (viewpoint to Harvey Mtn.) Trail markers become difficult to find thru this section. Started at 7:45am arrived at peak approx 2pm - back to parkinglot at 7pm - stopped frequently.
Trail is not too difficult (basically lots of uphill walking, some climbing over fallen trees and such) with the exception of the last part up the rocky peak - that I would say is not difficult if you don't freak yourself out - and definitely DO NOT LET GO - there are no second chances. You slip and that would be it for you. Lastly I would say that I IMAGINE the view to be phenomenal - except we were so socked in by clouds that the East Lion was not even visible, much less the rest of the "spectacular" view :( oh well, guess I have an excuse to do the hike again until I get that picture! Super sore thighs today - but worth every ugh ugh ugh! - highly recommend it to anyone who has the will.....do it!

Posted: August 11, 2008 11:24:29 AM PST